Parade of Inns: A Walking Tour of the Charming Inns of Jacksonville

TheJacksonville Chamber of Commerce has cooked up another delightful inauguralevent for the merry month of May. Celebrate spring with the “Parade of Inns:A Walking Tour of the Charming Inns of Jacksonville,” on Sunday, May 21, from1-5pm. Ticketholders can enjoy a self-guided walking tour of five ofJacksonville’s prominent historic inns plus extras.

In addition to viewing the beautifully refurbishedinteriors of these historical lodgings, each inn has partnered with a localrestaurant, retail, and wine business. Visitors will enjoy a sample bite andwine tasting at each location. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased from theJacksonville Chamber of Commerce website at www.jacksonvilleoregon.org.A walking map will be provided showing the participating inns along withdirections. They may be toured in order of choice and at each stop,ticketholders may have a punch card stamped to enter a drawing—with a luckywinner receiving a two-night stay at TouVelle House.

 The tourwill include the 1916 TouVelle House on North Oregon Street—one of thefinest examples of Craftsman architecture in the valley. It was built by JudgeFrank Touvelle as a wedding gift for his wife, Elizabeth. TouVelle House Bed& Breakfast serves a delicious three-course breakfast for their guests andboasts the only swimming pool in town.

The iconic Jacksonville Inn on CaliforniaStreet is another stop. Constructed in 1874 by Irish immigrant P.J. Ryan, theJacksonville Inn is a boutique hotel that has welcomed presidents andcelebrities. Jville Inn stands within the pulse of Jacksonville’s downtownactivities and has eight well-appointed rooms overlooking the historic town.

Next up is Kubli Haus on South OregonStreet—a stunning Victorian home built in 1860 by Swiss storekeeper, printer,and telegraph operator Kasper Kubli. Kubli Haus features five independentvacation suites that integrate modern comforts with historical features uniqueto each suite. Kubli Haus beckons with an expansive wraparound porch for theultimate lounging opportunity.

McCully House Innon California Street is open to visitors on the tour. The McCully House wasbuilt in Classic Revival style and completed in 1861. It is the oldest inn inthe state still in operation. Jane McCully, wife of John, is the hero of thishistorical tale. See her picture prominently displayed and learn her story.With six deluxe guestrooms and three luxurious suites, the McCully Housewelcomes visitors with open arms.

Fifth on the tour is the newly refreshed MagnoliaHotel on 5th Street. This elegant Spanish Revival property started out in1928 as a sanatorium and health spa. It was converted to a bed and breakfast in2007 and has recently been lovingly refurbished throughout by the new owners.The Magnolia is a charming boutique hotel with an even dozen roomsavailable—each one individualized with artistic creativity and comfort. As anadded plus, they satisfy a book-lover’s dream with a large selection of classicbooks.

Tickets arelimited for the tour, so visit the Chamber website at www.jacksonvilleoregon.org and secure yours soon.